Project Developer (Chef de projet, Pays de la Loire)

Job description:

Location: Pays de la Loire

About Lightsource bp

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise.

Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

What You’ll do (the role)

Summary

Lightsource bp has entered the market in January 2022 France to take part of the country ambition to install 100 GB of solar PV by 2050. A team of up 20+ people has already been hired in 2022-2023 to develop ground mounted utility scale PV projects with the objective of having a pipeline of 1 GW by 2026. To reach this target, Lightsource bp France will originate its own pipe of projects, co-develop projects with partners looking forward to be supported by a major international developer, and acquire projects at various stage of developments. We are looking to hire experienced solar people having an entrepreneurial mindset to join this new exciting venture.

As project developer, you will be responsible for originating greenfield PV projects (mostly agrivoltaics) from scratch and developing them until they have obtained all the necessary permits to be ready to build.

With the support of the GIS team, this position will be responsible for targeting land in a specific region in France, to be secured public or private (agricultural type / wasteland / abandoned / degraded land, etc.) for the development of large-scale solar projects on the ground, floating or agri-PV projects

This position will play a huge part in this ambition, generating opportunities and managing the development / permitting of Large-Scale Solar projects in France.

Duties and responsibilities

• Identifying the landowners of the selected cadastral parcels and leading the land negotiations with the owners and the farming agreement with the farmer in case of agrivoltaics projects.
• Analysis of the characteristics of potential lands (topography, town planning, connection) in order to assess their relevance.
• Obtaining the necessary signatures for the project (promises of lease, constitutions of easements on private and public domain) in compliance with operating and technical constraints
• Playing the role of interface with the institutional partners (DDT, DREAL and other public administrations) involved in the projects in order to advance the files, and working in close collaboration with the photovoltaic study managers and the internal support teams
• Manage outsourced studies: draw up the specifications, choose the consulting firms on environment and carry out the consultation.
• Ensure the follow-up and proper conduct of environmental studies (impact studies, Natura 2000, protected species derogation files, ecological monitoring of exploitation, etc.) carried out by subcontracting partners (naturalist or landscape design offices, associations) on time and on budget
• Prepare project presentation files and represent the company in front of various interlocutors (public presentations, presentations to elected officials, state services, etc.)
• Participate in consultations with communities, State services and various actors in all procedures (natural parks, elected officials, etc.) and ensure a level of close collaboration allowing the obtaining of the authorizations necessary for the development of the parks and in such a way that LSBP be recognized as an exemplary player in its sector. Ensuring communication and consultation in the context of meetings with local actors: landowners, communities, state services, residents, elected officials, etc.
• Follow the instruction and obtaining building permit files (filing, public inquiry, purge)
• Ensure the transfer of files to the construction department
• Supporting the various departments at Lightsource bp throughout the development process, whether in the development, construction, and operation phase.

Who we’re looking for

Experience & Knowledge

• Understanding of renewables industry, energy and environmental issues
• Understanding of property development, particularly leases
• Technical understanding of solar farm development and construction
• Understanding of solar farm environmental planning constraints
• Understanding of commercial activities including financial models, funding arrangements and legals
• Experience in a similar role is essential.

Education

• Degree in relevant field desirable

Why you’ll make a great member of the team

Work & General Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written French
• Functional English.
• Exceptionally well organized and driven by success
• Ability to thrive in high-pressure situations
• Analytical thinker with great problem-solving skills
• Decisive and committed

Why you’ll want to work for us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow; a place where your ideas and opinions matter.

Be you

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.

Be responsible

Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.

Be recognized

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.

Be inspired

Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. Initiatives to get involved with including our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project or our sustainability initiatives.

Our Core Values

Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible, and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.

https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers